Attorneys contend that the California law used to convict the students is unconstitutional because it censors free speech, a right that the U.S. Constitution protects.

No matter the outcome, the appeal will not impact the sentence given by Judge Peter Wilson–56 hours of community service, fines and probation, the Los Angeles Times reports.

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The Orange County District Attorney's office is expected to file a response to the appeal.

This week, ASUCI, UC Irvine's student government, unanimously passed legislation in support of the Irvine 11, stating that it holds “the OCDA accountable for wrongfully prosecuting students for peaceful protest and democratic participation.”